SAM Allardyce is aiming to reinforce his stricken attack before Saturday's League opener against Burnley.

The Wanderers' boss, reported to have made a failed attempt to persuade Manchester City to let him take transfer-listed front man Gareth Taylor on loan, was working on an alternative deal today.

Meanwhile, the pre-season trials continued at Bamber Bridge where Regi Blinker was on target in his second appearance in Bolton colours.

The former Holland international, who has been given a couple of weeks to prove himself worthy of a Reebok contract, was one of six players given a chance to impress in the reserve team friendly, which Wanderers won 5-3.

Jamaican international winger Winston Griffiths impressed but he is due to fly back to the Carribean to play for his country. Allardyce has arranged to have him back at a future date.

Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Blackburn scouts were among the crowd of 250 at Bamber Bridge where Blinker, formerly of Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday and Feyenoord, turned in a lively performance.

The Italian 'mystery' trialist, named on the teamsheet as Eman Emanuel, got another runout as talks over a possible deal continue, along with the two Portuguese players, impressive wide man Marco Almeida and defender Paulo Ferreira, and the Australian centre-back 'Paul Pezos'.

The Wanderers line-up was: Evans, Ross, 'Ferreira', Buchanan, Pezos, Norris, Almeida, Blinker, Ricketts, Wheatcroft, Griffiths. Subs: Kaprielian, Williams, Snorrason, O'Connor, Ryan, Crumblehulme, Emanuel, Haveron.

Robbie Elliott is to have a second scan to determine the full extent of the groin injury he suffered in Saturday's pre-season friendly at Bury.

A first scan was not clear enough for a detailed assessment but early indications suggest the damage is not in the same area operated on in May, raising hopes that his recovery period will not be as long as first feared.